GoEngineer Kicks Off Kids' Camp

These free camps are designed for children between the ages of 10 and 18. Attendees are introduced to 3D CAD software and shown how 3D printers can make their work a reality. By teaching kids the basic principles of design, the camp strives to spark interest in design, engineering, and manufacturing.

Matt Morgan, a GoEngineer application engineer and Kids' Camp instructor, explains to his excited, can-barely-sit-still group: "Engineering is all about finding out what's going to work before you make it."

Learning the basics of 3D CAD design in SolidWorks.(Source: GoEngineer)

The best part of the day -- test flight.(Source: GoEngineer)

The kids get to perform an airflow analysis with an object spinning at 6,000 rpm. They see how much force it generates, and they conduct a real stress analysis -- among many other things.

"The kids get to see what goes into engineering and what different kinds of software can do to assist in the process of design and engineering," Morgan said.

Campers sketch, rotate parts, change colors, and then see how their creations are 3D printed. "The most fun part was getting stuff to work, because I am somewhat good at it," one camper reported. "And I liked making my part look like it was made out of grass."

This is so cool because of the hands on aspect. Nothing makes engineering more exciting than getting to participate and getting something to work - and feeling that intense satisfaction when it does. After I successfully complete a project or get a piece of code to work that I have been fighting for awhile - I always do my happy dance.

Seems like a fun and educational event for learning how the world works by building and experimenting with cool stuff. Is there a website that provides additional information about GoEngineer? Also, wondering if GoEngineer was inspired by the Maker Movement that's sweeping the world in creating their summer camps and hands on activities.

Looking for a high-paying STEM job? The San Francisco Bay Area remains a good place to go to have a successful career in these fields, according to a recent study by financial analyst and data firm, SmartAsset, but it's still not the highest paying area of the country.

Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies. You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived. So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.